Gabbard suggests prominent Muslim group wants Shariah law, New Jersey city fires back

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard claimed at a recent Turning Point USA AmericaFest event that the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) called for Sharia Law in the U.S. 

"Earlier this year, there was a conference that was held representing organizations like the Council on American Islamic Relations, also known as CAIR, which issued a call to action to use American legal and political systems to implement Sharia law," she declared.

Gabbard said the group’s ideology is “antithetical to the foundation that we find in our Constitution."

Gabbard specifically criticized the city of Paterson, New Jersey, which calls itself the first Muslim City. Gabbard said the town is working to implement Islamic principles in the local government. 

Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh disputed Gabbard’s claims and asked her to apologize. 

Selaedin Maksut, the executive director of CAIR's New Jersey chapter, also disputed the remarks and said they place Muslim residents at risk.

“We condemn Tulsi Gabbard’s remarks as dangerous and inflammatory lies. By falsely portraying Islam and Muslim communities as threats to American freedom, she engages in reckless fearmongering that endangers real people," he said.